Not too many decades ago you became skilled in a profession such as joinery, plumbing or glazing, by becoming an apprentice with a company where a skilled person taught you how to become a skilled craftsperson over a period of a few years, known as your ‘apprenticeship’. After reaching the required standard you were then offered a job in the same company and eventually became the teacher of new apprentices, so the cycle continued. Little changed then with the ‘foundation knowledge’ and ‘skill sets’. Undertaking an apprenticeship then would be seen as giving you a job for life.
How things have changed today. Whilst the ‘foundation knowledge’ still underpins the skilled person, new ‘skill sets’ are needed by workers on a regular basis as legislation and technology advance at an ever-increasing rate. In some instances old ‘skill sets’ need to be unlearnt in order to keep in line with new legislation and new technology, the old adage of ‘we have always done it this way’ is no longer valid.
READ MORE: https://www.doubleglazingblogger.com/2021/02/new-cab-chief-executive/
Members of CAB, many of whom have their own training centres, offer ‘skill set’ courses to train fabricators, service engineers and installers in their products, have long stated that much of the ‘foundation knowledge’ is missing in the Industry, especially at the moment when experienced people are in very short supply.
At CAB we recognise that there is a shortage of skilled people in our Industry today. Not only does this shortage push up costs for attaining and maintaining staff, the reduced availability can have an effect on current skill levels. Adding to the reduced availability of staff is the increasing average age of skilled people and we are losing these to retirement at an alarming rate. Quite simply we need new young people to see our Industry as a career path and we need to attract suitable qualified people from other associated trades to join our Industry.
A few years ago CAB partnered with GQA Qualifications, a leading awarding body and CSCS provider to develop a new route to a Curtain Walling Installers CSCS Card. It is recognised by main contractors that installers on site can show their credibility by continuing to undertake CPD and have up to date knowledge of the Industry and different curtain walling systems.
The overriding objectives in the development of the CAB Curtain Walling Installers CSCS Card have been to raise competency levels by developing standardisation of basic knowledge and best practices whilst ensuring a consistency of CSCS Card achievement which will ensure that site installers are qualified both in their field of expertise and knowledge of the particular system being installed. The scheme continues to be offered by CAB to installers and is also promoted to attract new talent by presenting the fenestration sector in construction as a desirable career path.
CAB have recently attended Archway Secondary School careers fair to speak with the students and encourage them to consider a career in the fenestration industry. Mark Handley from ‘Building Our Skills’ attended alongside Jessica Dean, CAB Membership and Events Director and Nigel Headford CAB CEO. Mark has been holding careers fairs and attending various schools to speak about our Industry and the various careers available within it.
CAB’s aim is to create a ‘CAB Apprenticeship Toolbox’ to advise our members on how to approach their local schools, what is required when attending a careers fair and information on funding for apprenticeships. It is also Jessica Dean’s intention to contact CAB members and ask who in their organisation takes on apprentices, with the aim of building a list on the CAB website. Often when Mark attends careers fairs he picks up CVs and if CAB had a list of members offering apprenticeships the Association could hopefully be the link between the two.
The CAB Academy offers free online webinars which are available to all members. The programme of seminars are available on the CAB website and cover a wide range of subjects in the fenestration supply chain. Non-members are also welcome to attend as a guest. All webinars are recorded and are available online for review and training purposes.
During the annual CAB Members forum, held in Spring, topical subjects are discussed during the afternoon mini-conferences. This event allows members and the wider construction supply chain work together to improve the quality of supply which firmly revolves around acquired skill sets.
More information about CAB’s 2025 training webinars and events is available through the CAB website. Should you wish to learn more about the use of Aluminium in Construction, please contact CAB, join the Association and be recognised as being involved in supporting your Industry and helping to shape its future. More information on our website at c-a-b.org.uk
Subscribe for FREE below to receive the weekly DGBulletin newsletter and monthly digital magazine!
